Regrets… well that’s what I have. Many regrets… XL was the debut album released by UK hardcore act, Regrets and I was fortunate to have access before its release on the 3rd of October this year. Unfortunately, life got in the way and did not get a chance to share my thoughts on the work. A couple of months and a few gigs later, I managed to have a good sit down and listen to this masterpiece again in its entirety.
Album opener “Tequila” is the only respite you’re going to get before the onslaught begins. It felt like shifting down a queue to the world’s scariest rollercoaster. Once you’re strapped in, it’s all go! short and sweet! Next track. “Suck it up” is exactly what I needed personally; in an age where the currency is dopamine and the price is your sanity, this song grabs you by the lapels and screams at you to get a grip. As bad as things are, there is always a silver lining.
On to track 3 and I’m starting to feel like this entire record was written for me. “N9ne to 5ive” expertly summarises the anxiety of clocking into the daily rat race, and the frustrations/annoyances that we all sometimes face. “Upside Down” is another fast-paced dose of hardcore. The lyrics talk of getting “off the ground” and by this point in the album you do feel like you’ve been bowled over in the pit. The ending drone of feedback feeling absolutely like ringing ears. Not long before you’re thrusted into “Fuck You” – short, pounding, to the point. Just as a good old FU should be.
Title track XL is a great example of the lads cleverly employing lyrical themes. It’s as straight to the point as all the preceding tracks, with the end harkening back to the start of the record. “Losing Sleep” is an excellent slab old-school hardcore. It’s amazing to see this flavour of aggressive music coming from the UK. From the solo drum intro through to the climax, there’s plenty of two-step action to be had here.
“Out of Control” is as debaucherous as its title. Short, sharp – like a shot. Next track “Downtown” again takes the listener into the realms of NYHC-call outs. It’s a rallying call for sure. Next track “Get High” sets the scene for album-finisher, “Break Free.” It feels like the final cry of someone trying to hold themself together in spite of everything going on around them. This might sound bleak, but the point here is how we react to our environment is within our hands. It sets the scene for growth and self-development.
The album does with its nearly 17-minute runtime something that other albums don’t, and that is to be succinct. It’s not War and Peace, and it doesn’t need to be drawn out. The lads get their sonic message across efficiently and with the energy of a bomb. This is old school hardcore with a London twang. These lads would not be out of place at the likes of Outbreak Fest or Slamdunk (seeing as there’s a decidedly sharper edge to next year’s roster). It’s heartening to see a rise in hardcore again globally, and a lot of these bands do have the skill to uphold the scene. However, the raw, organic feel of XL is what sets Regrets apart from others. The guitars sound vibrant unlike the down tuned sludge of other bands in the genre. The mix of the album itself displays all the musicians’ voices superbly and the energy is palpable. My closing point is this: go see Regrets live if you have the opportunity. Because if you can feel them through your headphones, you know they’ll be felt live.
XL is out now.
Some shows are live, some pre-recorded. All times are GMT
